Basic Bolt Ons: Cat back exhaust systems

[warneej]

The next thing most people install on their cars is an aftermarket exhaust to help it breathe better to free up a few ponies as well as give it a sportier tone. Headers are covered in a different topic. All these models will fit all Duratec motors unless otherwise specified. The only exception are those with the factory 06-07 Street Appearance Package which may require a little modification.

Common brands are:

Magnaflow
Borla (discontinued)
Trubendz
MBRP
FocusSport regular and stealth models
F2
NEW!Ford Racing (2012 Only)

"Lunchbox delete"

There is also always the option of having a system custom ran at a local shop. Make sure you are specific about exactly what you want done so you don't end up with a cheap muffler and 1" rusty tubing.


There are many issues to discuss when talking about cat back systems. Here are a few of them.

SOUND
One thing an aftermarket system will always have over stock is a distinctive sound. Sound is a personal choice, whether you want it to be loud and deep or quiet and rumbling, there is a cat back setup for you.

Many systems are much louder than stock. When this becomes a problem especially when combined with a race header, you have a few things you can do to quiet your system down. FocusSport offers a stealth option which adds a larger resonator to the system, Trubendz offers the ability to customize your set up by choosing your own muffler and resonator.

PERFORMANCE
This is to me one of the most important aspects of a an exhaust system. To start with, when choosing your setup, you need to take into consideration some of your future plans. If you are planning on staying relatively mild and just using bolt ons, then a 2.25” system will be more than enough for you. However, if you plan on a serious N/A build or the use of forced induction, a 2.5” system will provide much better gains. Borla, MBRP and Trubendz make the best 2.5” cat back systems

PRICE
Cat back setups can run anywhere from $125 all the way up to $650, its up to you what you want to spend. The gains are not increased by spending more however the advantages of Stainless Steel (especially in northern climates) are well worth the money.

LINKS:

Trubendz Exhaust System Install on a 08' Sedan
Exhaust Videos and Sound Clips

Comments, discussion, and corrections welcome!

[Sponsor]

[Master-Baits]

boops. posted in duratec not svt..

[1-ST]

Correction: Focus Sport Stealth does not add a resonator, as the Sport model has a resonator. It changes the resonator to a much larger one. Some people have described it as having 2 mufflers instead of a muffler and a resonator.

[Brindfan]

Question: Do you need to let your ECU reset after putting on an exhaust system?

[1-ST]

No, but it is generally recommended. It will "get used to it" faster if you do. Otherwise, it may run somewhat less than ideal for the first tank of gas or so.

[lightning2nd]

i had no problem with the mbrp exhaust with the S.A.P.

[SD_Focus]

I thought we had agreed that 2.5" is best for any duratec (at least 2.3) even with only minor mods.

[honhon]

Originally Posted by 1-ST

No, but it is generally recommended. It will "get used to it" faster if you do. Otherwise, it may run somewhat less than ideal for the first tank of gas or so.

the PCM doesnt monitor the exhaust system, so its not going to matter.

[warneej]

Originally Posted by SD_Focus

I thought we had agreed that 2.5" is best for any duratec (at least 2.3) even with only minor mods.

2.25" is best for minor mods but honestly it doesn't really matter.

and corrected that point 1-ST

[1-ST]

The standard recommendation is to reset the pcm every time you mod anything. I started my post with "No" and that's the real truth. Sorry about that. Any slight adjustments necessary should be made instantly. It's really your driving style that the PCM adapts to, which is expedited by a reset.